A man armed with a hammer stole cigarettes and cash from an ice cream van.

Cleveland Police are appealing for information following the armed robbery, which took place at around 2.30pm yesterday.

The ice cream van was parked on Kirkland Walk in Park End, Middlesbrough, when a man entered through the side window and threatened the driver with a hammer before filling a bag with cigarettes and making off in the direction of Overdale Road.

He also stole cash.

The suspect is described as white, in his teens and around 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, grey tracksuit bottoms and a scarf covering his mouth and face.

There was a woman at the ice cream van at the time of the incident who may be able to help.

Officers have urged her to contact police on 101 with any information she may have.